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USS BUSH (DD 529)

Rescue Ship Deck Logs


On the 6th and 7th of April, 1945, a number of U.S. Navy vessels participated in the search and rescue operations for the crew of the stricken USS BUSH, as well as for the crew of the USS COLHOUN (DD 801). After coming to the aid of the USS BUSH, the USS COLHOUN was struck multiple times by Japanese suicide planes. The COLHOUN was so badly damaged she was sunk by U.S. Navy gunfire.

Rescue vessels picking up USS BUSH sailors included four LCS(L)(3)'s (the 24, 37, 40, and 64), the sea going tug PAKANA (ATF 108) and the patrol craft PCE(R) 855. The term LCS(L)(3) stands for Landing Craft Support - Large - Mark 3. To make reading a bit easier, the editor has shortened the acronym to just "LCS". Two destroyers assisted in the rescue operation, the USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793) and the USS BENNETT (DD 473). On the morning of the 7th, a Kamikaze plane also struck the BENNETT, killing three of her crew and wounding 18 others.

What follows are excerpts from the deck logs of these vessels, including the destroyers CASSIN YOUNG and BENNETT. In many instances, the names and rates of rescued sailors were misspelled in deck logs (understandable given the circumstances). The editor has corrected such spelling mistakes when noted, relying on the final reports written by Commander Westholm, Commanding Officer USS BUSH, as well as the medical report by the USS BUSH doctor, Lt. George Johnson.

Also included are excerpts from the Final Action Report submitted by Commander G. R. Wilson, Commanding Officer of the USS COLHOUN (DD-801). Deck logs from the COLHOUN were lost with the ship. Commander Wilson's report indicates that 35 COLHOUN sailors were killed or missing in action as a result of action on April 6, 1945. 21 COLHOUN sailors were wounded.

These records provide a glimpse into the hardship and danger the rescue ships endured to find and recover as many sailors as possible. A dark night, rough seas, and constant threat of attack made for a long night and morning for all involved. Many BUSH families will be forever grateful to the officers and crews of these ships.

As you read the deck logs, the acronym RP stands for radar picket. There were a number of radar picket stations, the BUSH being at RP1, the COLHOUN at RP2, and references will be made as well to stations 3 and 4.

The Commanding and Executive Officers for these rescue craft were as follows:

Commanding Officer Executive Officer and Navigator
LCS 24 W. A. Russell, Lt. C. H. Schmadeke, Lt. (jg)
LCS 37 S. N. Brickhouse, Lt. J. A, McEvoy, Ensign
LCS 40 T. T. Hollen, Lt. R. A. Mundy, Ensign
LCS 64 Charles Fogg, Lt. John E. Littleton, Ensign
PAKANA, ATF 108 W. E. White, Lt. Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg)
PCE(R) 855 Arthur L. Dowling, Lt. P. L. Griffeth, Lt.
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793) J. W. Ailes, III, Commander C. R. Noble, Lt. (jg)
USS BENNETT (DD-473) J. N. McDonald, Commander R. R. Carter, Lt.
USS COLHOUN (DD-801) G. R. Wilson, Commander

Back to Final Action Reports Page


April 6, 1945

Watch 0000-0400, 6 April 1945
LCS 64
0000-Patroling off Iheya Retto in RP1-L. No further remarks.
... A. H. Jewell, Jr., Ensign, USNR

PAKANA (ATF 108)
0000-Anchored in berth H44, Hagushi Beach, Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto, in 24 fathoms of water with 75 fathoms of chain to the port anchor….ship in modified material condition "Affirm".
... Paul R. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR

PCE(R) 855
0000-Anchored in 19 fathoms of water off beach between Zampa Misaki and Naha on the western side of Okinawa Gunto with starboard anchor out and 60 fathoms of chain on deck.
... R. H. Hoerner, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
0000-Steaming darkened on Radar Picket station #3 .... Distance 65.3 miles from Point Bolo. Patrolling station on various courses at 15 knots, 149 RPM. Steaming on boilers #1 and #4.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0000-Steaming independently in Radar Picket Station #4 .... Distance 58 miles from Zampa Misaki, Okinawa Jima, Ryuku Islands .... at speed 15 knots .... Zig-zagging by constant helm method 20o either side of base course. Ship completely darkened ....
... W. E. Ford, Lt. (jg), USNR

Watch 0400-0800, 6 April 1945
USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
0415-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds prior to opening fire on enemy aircraft. 0444-Commenced firing at enemy aircraft. 0445-Ceased fire, results unobserved. 0514-Commenced fire at enemy aircraft. 0516-Ceased fire, results unobserved. 0600-Commenced fire on enemy plane. 0601-Ceased fire. 0605-Observed burning plane crash on the horizon.
... T. B. Steiger, Lt., USNR

LCS 37
Anchored off blue beach No. 2. Condition is "Red", control yellow. Ship at general quarters....0706-Weighed anchor and formed column with LCS 24, 39, 37, 40 in that order, headed north
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 24
0658-Got underway at various speeds on courses, for RP-4R, in compliance with orders from CTG 52.9.1..
... F. H. Mackaman, Ensign, USNR.

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At 0700 a CAP of two divisions report to us. At 0830 commenced interception of single bogey using one division. Interception completed at 0902, bogey splashed and reported as an Irving.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

Watch 0800-1200, 6 April 1945
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At 1030 - Control of CAP turned over to Cassin Young in RP #3. There were a number of single bogies reported throughout the morning and CAP was passed from one Radar Picket to the others to intercept, however no other interceptions are known to have been made.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

Watch 1200-1600, 6 April 1945
PAKANA (ATF 108)
1228-Air raid alert. 1249-Air raid warning....1506-Air raid warning. 1513-Air raid alert. 1533-Air raid warning.
... William G. Hayward, Lt. (jg), USNR

LCS 24
1232-Object sighted crashing in flames about 26o56' N: 128o16' E. Proceeded toward object on base course. 1330-Left formation at various speeds and courses to wreckage of unidentified object....1405-Spotted unknown object in water. 1406-Object identified as Jap aviator. 1414-Rescued Jap aviator. 1435-Proceeded on course 140oT to search for American flyers believed to have been forced down. Had received emergency IFF contact. 1541-All hands to general quarters. 1547-Jap plane seen downed at 108oT from LCS-L(3)-24.
... O. C. Handrich, Ensign, USNR

LCS 37
1330-LCS 24 pulled out of column and went back to make search....1342-AA fire off stb'd bow....1428-All ahead standard, LCS 39 pulled out of column to go to their Radar Picket station. 1500-LCS 40 pulled out to go to their station. 1531-Arrived at designated station "RP3R"....1543-Changed pitch to 44" all ahead standard to get in visual distance of DD 793 for message.
... O. W. Blake, Ensign, USNR

LCS 64
1440-Sighted tire and landing gear in water, steaming to pick it up. 1458-Opened fire at Japanese plane. 1515-USS BUSH in RP1 hit by suicide plane. Steaming to her aid.
...L. E. Davis, Ensign, USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
1515-Set material condition Able. Received numerous reports of bogies to the north. 1539-Attacked by two enemy dive bombers identified as "Val". Commenced firing to port. One plane turned away. Second dive bomber passed low over ship, dropped bomb 100 yards off port quarter and opened on starboard bow. 1550-One "Val" shot down by CAP. Other plane opened to south. 1555-Observed "Val" on starboard beam. Commenced firing. 1556-Plane dove toward ship, was seen to catch fire, and crashed 4,000 yards on starboard beam. 1559-Commenced steaming toward area of crash to investigate parachute.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At 1200 - received word that TF 58 was under heavy air attack ....1500 - Several large raids detected approaching from the northward .... Raids were stacked at various altitudes from 500 to 20,000 feet .... The raids attacking in northern sectors seemed to be missing us and concentrating on ths ships in radar picket stations one and three. From forty to fifty planes appeared to be orbiting and attacking the Bush in station one and from ten to twelve the Young in station three, but none approached us closer than ten miles. 1530 - Heard TBS transmission: "Any station this circuit, this is Helper", (USS Bush), no further transmissions heard from Bush, assumed her to be in need of assistance since from twenty to thirty bogies were still orbiting her position. Proceeded at 30 knots, later increased to 35 to render assistance. Assumed control of CAP, "Arab 29" assigned to Bush .... "Arab 29" reported his flight low on fuel and ammunition and returned to base, they had splashed at least six planes by this time.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

Watch 1600-2000, 6 April 1945
LCS 64
1600-Steaming to the BUSH. 1650-Came alongside USS BUSH in an attempt to remove survivors. Driven off by approach of enemy plane. 1720-Commenced firing at these enemy planes. One dove at us strafing as it came; crashed into water 50 feet to starboard. Our fire was seen to strike the plane many times, but none set her on fire. This ship was sprayed with gasoline and wreckage. The USS COLHOUN was struck by the other two suicide planes. 1730-Commenced retiring to RP2. As many enemy planes remained in the area to the last. 1900-Proceeding back to RP1 with USS CASSIN YOUNG and LCS(L) 84 and 87 to look for survivors. 1950-USS BUSH sank.
...A. H. Jewell, Jr., Ensign, USNR

LCS 37
Underway as before. Received visual message from DD 793 setting our patrol area as line 5 miles long running north and south about 5 miles from Yoron Jima....1609-One destroyer ahead and one astern reported under attack. Sighted various bogies and friendly planes.
... C. E. Theriot, Ensign, USNR

LCS 24
1639-AA fire from can. Plane hit and tried suicide dive at him but missed. 1642-c/c 055oT. Closing USS BENNETT, which was still under Dive Bomber Attack. 1702-Secured from general quarters. 1800-Exercised at general quarters. Enemy plane sighted, 2 friendly planes in pursuit. Continued closing USS BENNETT, steering various courses and speeds. 1921-Proceeded to area RP1 (one) where USS BUSH reported in distress.
... C. H. Schmadeke, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
1615-Stopped all engines; picked up body of Japanese pilot for recovery of intelligence material. 1620-Returned body to sea. Resumed normal patrol. 1635-Made radar contact on bogey .... distant 19 miles. Commenced maneuvering to unmask batteries. 1639-Bogey identified as enemy dive bomber "Judy", visually. Commenced firing all batteries to starboard. Plane commenced steep dive from starboard bow, attempting to crash ship. 1639½-Plane passed over bridge and crashed 40 feet on port beam. Resumed normal patrol. 1734-Commenced steaming on various courses en route to take Radar Picket Station #2 .... to relieve U.S.S. COLHOUN. Latter vessel proceeding to assistance of U.S.S BUSH on Radar Picket Station #1 .... 1825-Observed enemy plane attacking LCS on port quarter. Plane identified as fighter "Irving"". 1825½-Commenced firing to port. 1828-Ceased firing. Plane opened range to south. Numerous bogeys continued to be reported to north, at ranges of ten miles and over. 1855-Commenced steaming on various courses at 25 knots, 257 rpm, en route to Radar Picket Station #1 .... to assist U.S.S. BUSH and U.S.S. COLHOUN, as ordered by ComTaskForce 51 .... 1940-Changed speed to 15 knots .... Reported to U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG for orders. 1946-Commenced standing north to search area in which U.S.S. BUSH sank. 1950-Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to search for survivors. Coordinated movements of several LCS in area. U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG moored alongside U.S.S. COLHOUN.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
1610 - Sighted Bush dead ahead. 1635 - Closed Bush who was dead in the water smoking badly and down by the stern. She still had remains of what appeared to be a Betty plastered on her starboard side amidships. She was being circled by a group of enemy planes .... At about 1710, the leading top Zeke peeled off and started a run on Colhoun .... Opened fire at 9000 yards .... motor started smoking at about 1000 yards off. Plane released bomb at about this point, but continued his strafing and glide. He passed over the ship .... no damage to ship .... Plane apparently headed for Bush .... Bush was in line distant about 4000 yards, 40mm and 20mm continued to register hits .... plane hit water about midway between Colhoun and Bush .... another attack started about 1714 .... received report that plane on port bow was about to crash us, ordered full left rudder but too late .... Plane hit in flames on main deck at #44 40mm mount, part of flaming fuselage swept across ship, engine and bomb penetrated main deck exploding in after fireroom .... also setting fire to handy billys which had been placed in readiness for going alongside Bush .... Gun crews of 40mm mounts 3 and 4 were either killed or badly burned, mounts destroyed by crash and fire and ready ammunition on fire. Gun crews of 20mm guns 1 and 3 were all severely burned but guns not badly damaged .... 1717 .... high Zeke started in .... this time the two leading Vals came along .... The Zeke came in on starboard bow, one Val on port and one on port quarter. Again all three came in at about at 45o dive very slow .... All guns opened fire when attack started on port bow targets .... hit Val square with first 5" salvo thereby splashing him off port quarter about 200 yards. Guns 1 and 2 obtained hits early on (estimated 6000 yards) Val on port bow and he appeared out of control. (This plane missed us attempted to suicide Bush and was splashed by automatic weapons of Bush and LCS64) .... Shifted to plane on starboard bow. Here our lucked failed .... and plane crashed through starboard motor whaleboat and into forward fireroom, where bomb exploded, breaking keel, piercing both boilers, putting hole about 20 feet long and 4 feet wide in starboard side below water line .... All communications lost with after part of ship .... were soon dead in the water .... We still had 120 cans of foam extinguisher on board .... In about eleven minutes all fires were under control by use of foam or CO2. .... 1725 another attack commenced ..... the Val on starboard bow caught his port wing on the after stack bounced off gun 3 knocking off his gas tank which flamed to the main deck by gun 4, flaming and taking 45 director bath tub along, bounced off main deck into water where bomb exploded putting a hole below the water line about three feet square in compartment C-205, but so deluging the after part of ship with water that all fires started were extinguished. The water however washed most of after 20mm crews and a few of the torpedomen over the fantail. They were in most instances able to swim back, one was rescued by Enyon, Coxswain and four by ship's port motor whaleboat .... This attack was followed by the remaining two Vals who came in off starboard quarter in loose echelon about 4000 yards apart, strafing as they came. Each let go one bomb when about 300 yards off the quarter at about 500 feet. They were fired on by gun 4 but undamaged. One pulled out and headed for Tokyo the other hit Bush starting fires and explosions. The Bush sank about 1 hour later. The area now appeared clear of all aircraft, so attention was devoted to getting some assistance. (The LCS 64 had cleared Bush sometime in the melee and was apparently damaged herself, but she certainly had done a brave bit of work in going alongside .... In fact her conduct throughout was that of complete fearlessness coupled with good gunnery and good seamanship.) .... The ship was down about 3 feet by the stern but on almost an even keel at this time (About 1800) when out of nowhere appeared a Hamp smoking badly and diving on the starboard bow, guns 1, 2 and 41 scored direct hits, but at very close range. His left wing hooked the pilot house but the gasoline spilled on the bridge did not catch fire, and all personnel had taken shelter so no great damage .... this completed the enemy action for the day as far as we were concerned.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

LCS 40
1810-Received orders from DD 763 to follow to Radar Picket Station No. 1. 1839-Underway following DD 763, steering course 284oT at standard speed.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 37
(Note on 16-20 Watch) 1800-Sounded General Quarters. 1821-Japanese "Tony", single in-line engine fighter approached from Port Beam low over the water. All Port Guns (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10) opened fire. Plane veered to the north and passed across our bow 2500 yards distant. DD793 opened fire. Plane passed over the horizon to our starboard.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR

PAKANA (ATF 108)
1700-Air raid alert. Set condition of readiness, one. 1704-Started #1, 2, 3, and 4 main diesel engines. 1705-Torpedo and Suicide bombers reported in vicinity. 1711-One enemy aircraft shot down....1714-Two groups of LCVP's caught fire off Hagushi beach and were observed to burn fiercely. 1714-AA fire from ships in anchorage shot down one Hellcat type plane....1828-Underway in accordance with CTG 51.6 dispatch 060920 to go to the assistance of the USS BUSH (DD529) and USS COLHOUN (DD801) in distress at position Lat. 27o-15'N; Long. 127o-52'E; Commanding Officer at the conn, Navigator on the bridge....
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR

PCE(R) 855
1633-Moved anchorage ahead 200 yards. Anchored in 14 fathoms of water with 45 fathoms of chain on deck. 1712-Commenced firing at enemy aircraft. 1714-Ceased firing; fired 38 rounds 40MM; 1 round 3"50; 60 rounds 20MM. 1823-Proceeding to point 51 miles from Zampa Misaki, bearing 007oT, to assist DD 801 and DD 529 by orders of CTG 51.5 received over radio telephone.
... R. H. Hoerner, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
At about 1900 Cassin Young stood close aboard. She was told that we could remain afloat and handle all casualties for the time being at least, given our best estimate of where Bush went down and requested to search that area for Bush survivors. About 20 minutes later the LCS 84 and 87 stood by.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
1723-Cut in all boilers on main steam line. 1724-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to aid the USS BUSH and the USS COLHOUN. 1915-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds at the scene of sinking of the USS BUSH, endeavoring to pick up survivors. 1941-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to go alongside the USS COLHOUN. 1945-Alongside, port side to, USS COLHOUN, bow to bow.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR

Watch 2000-2400, 6 April 1945
LCS 64
2000-Searching for survivors from USS BUSH. 2025-Picked up survivors from gig. 2230-Found the bulk of the survivors and commenced picking them up along with LCS 40. 2400-Underway for Transport area off Pt. Zampa Misaki with 89 enlisted men and 6 officers of the USS BUSH including Comdr. Westholm, the commanding officer aboard. NOTE: 2130-Mitchell W. D., Cox, USNR V-6 broke his ankle while taking injured man from gig.
... L. E. Davis, Ensign, USNR

LCS 37
2000-Secured from general quarters, set condition "One Easy". Course 330o speed full, heading to stricken DD to assist and help pick up survivors from a DD sunk previously. 2125-Arrived at scene of disaster. Came within 1000 yards of DD BENNETT, steaming slowly in area in search of survivors of "BUSH", DD 529. 2246-Aircraft heard close by, slowed to steerageway, two DD's and 3 LCS's assisting. DD 801, COLHOUN hit by suicide planes is abandoned and about to be destroyed by gun fire. Searching ships are using floodlights to hunt for survivors.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 24
2237-Arrived in area RP-1 started search for survivors. 2358-USS BENNETT opened fire on USS COLHOUN to sink her.
... E. A. Moyer, Ensign, USNR

LCS 40
2245-Stopped all engines and commenced picking up survivors from DD 529.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR

PAKANA (ATF 108)
2310-Various courses and speeds maneuvering and picking up survivors in accordance with verbal orders of USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD793).
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
LCS 84 was directed by Young to make starboard quarter and remove casualties. About 200 men including all seriously wounded were transferred to this vessel from 2015 to 2100 .... At about 2100 LCS 87 came alongside starboard quarter and remainder of casualties and all except 17 men and 4 officers were evacuated to her. At about this time an electrical fire again broke out in the emergency cabin on the bridge and in after fireroom .... It was controlled about 2320 but never fully extinguished as we ran out of foam and CO2 .... The Commanding Officer then ordered the ship abandoned and the LCS 87 removed remaining officers and crew. The ship was sunk by gunfire from Cassin Young.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
2000-Receiving .... survivors on board from USS COLHOUN. 2006-Cast off all lines, maneuvering at various courses and speeds to clear the COLHOUN. Could not remain alongside due to the condition of the sea. 2008-LCS 84 ordered to go alongside USS COLHOUN to take off all unnecessary personnel .... 2030-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds endeavoring to get a bow line to the bow of the USS COLHOUN. 2040-Line across, maneuvering to tow the USS COLHOUN into the sea. 2100-Line parted, condition of the sea heavy, preventing any further attempts. 2110-Maneuvering at various courses and speeds to stand clear of the USS COLHOUN. 2120-Clear of USS COLHOUN, maneuvering at various courses and speeds to receive USS LCS 84 alongside. 2200-USS LCS 84 alongside starboard side. 2220-Condition of the sea made it inadvisable to attempt to keep this ship alongside and transfer personnel. USS LCS 84 cleared side. 2355-Conforming to decision of the Commanding Officer of the USS COLHOUN, commenced firing on the USS COLHOUN, with main battery guns.
... D. P. Overholt, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
2024-U.S.S. PAKANA reported in area. 2215-U.S.S. PCE 855 reported in area. U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG reported U.S.S. COLHOUN expected to sink in 15 minutes. 2300-Commenced standing to west to clear line of fire for U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG. 2355-U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG commenced firing on U.S.S. COLHOUN to sink that vessel.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR


April 7, 1945

Watch 0000-0400, 7 April 1945
LCS 64
0000-Steaming on course 210 T speed standard, enroute from RP1 to Zampa Misaki with 89 men and 6 officers, survivors from USS BUSH.
... J. A. Jubell, Ensign, USNR

LCS 24
At general quarters, underway in RP-1 and RP-2 looking for survivors of USS BUSH. 0056 Picked up men listed on attached list, were found in water on life rafts. 0153-Picked up two officers adrift from rafts. 0253-Secured from general quarters. 0330-Started back to transport area to discharge survivors aboard.
...F. H. Mackaman, Ensign, USNR.

Personnel of U.S.S. BUSH Rescued by
U.S.S. LCS(L)(3) 24, 7 April 1945

OFFICERS

NAME RANK
MOSES, R. LIEUT. Communications
HAVEY, E. T. Lt. (jg) Communications
SECHRIST, E. Lt. (jg) 1st Lt.
CARNEY, R. Ensign (SC)
BUCHANAN, R. H. Ensign Ass't Engr.

ENLISTED PERSONNEL

NAME RATE NAME RATE
BURKE, G. MM1c BISHOP, S. F1c
WOODS, P. T. WT1c BURNSIDE, W. S1c
ENLOE, J. MM1c BARNHART, M. S2c
HAYES, V. F1c NORDWALL, R. GM2c
HOBBY, T. CGM SHOOK, A. F1c
WALSTEAD, J. EM3c PETERSON, J. B2c
SYKES, C. F1c JOHNS, F. RM3c
SIBBERSON, F. F1c NOVI, L. WT2c
TALY, C. S1c LAIPPLA, W. S2c
FLYNN, R. W. F1c WILLIAMS, J. T. S1c
BRETZ, L. F1c WALSH, D. S1c
HOWSE, W. SF1c ANDERSON, D. J. S1c
DIXON, C. MM2c MENDELL, H. GM3c
TROYAN, P. T. WT2c PETERSEN, P. QM2c
STAFFORD, H. F1c HUNTLEY, N. S2c
WHITE, R. V. MoMM1c DYE, R. S1c
BANASZAK, E. S2c DUCK, M. S1c
YOUNGREN, R. TM3c EDWARD, G. S2c
WOOLFOLK, C. TM3c

LCS 40
In Radar Picket Station #1 picking up survivors from DD 529. 0145-Unable to pick up anymore survivors. The following men were picked up; were given medical care as needed.

Lieutenant Commander T. B. Owen
Lieut.(jg) Daniel Dennet Tontz
Ensign Franklin Coit Butler, Jr.
Barton, Horace; S2/c
Randall, Jack Delance; CMM
Cook, Harold C; S1/c
Barnes, Robert M; S2/c
Vaught, Charles; S2/c
Lawrence, Howard Taft; GM1/c
Barajas, S. R.; S1/c
Morgan, J. A.; WT3/c
Daugherty, R. E.; RM2/c
Cooper, C. V.; S1/c
Sanzi, Eugene N; Y3/c
Pelnar, Joe; PhM1/c
Younce, Elmon Edward; RM3/c
McGrath, Robert Francis; RdM2c
Dinda, Frank James; Y2/c
Baird, William Darrell; S2/c
Forbes, Herschel; S1/c
Justice, George G; S1/c
McKinney, Odas Ray; Bkr2/c
Danekas, William Edwin; CWT
Cregut, Eddie Downing; S1/c
Cowan, Francis; SM1/c
White, Theo; S1/c
Petroni, Mario; GM2/c
Watson, Claude; StM1/c
Martin, Duard Leon; Cox
Dyke, Donald E.; FC3/c
Wise, Robert Frederick; S1/c
McGhee, Dores David; Y3/c
Singletary, Benjamin Franklin; StM1/c
Miller, Carmen; Cox
Kent, George Aloysius; RT1/c
Felix, Arnold Frederick; F1/c
Daniels, Benjamin Frank; GM3/c
Kreis, Norman Ray; GM1/c
Cunningham, Lon Albert; F1/c
Dost, Herbert Arthur; Cox
Peterson, Robert C.; SF3/c
Basalla, Nicholas; S1/c
Lenhart, Joseph K., S2/c
Dunn, Victor H.; S1/c
Gallant, Elroy; MM3/c
McCall, F. B.; GM1/c
Winkhouse, G. R.; S1/c
Garnett, R. H.; CBM
Cooper, E. R.; StM2/c
Daly, R. J.; BM2/c
Ballard, J. P.; S2/c
Ferino, B. A.; S1/c
Burke, M. S.; StM2/c
Williams, H. R.; S1/c

Two men were dead when picked up. These men did not have identification tags but were identified by personal effects and officers from the DD529 as:

Martin, J. D.
Guinn, W. J.

0145-Underway to Point Polo at standard speed steering course 200oT.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR

PAKANA (ATF 108)
Ship in material condition, "Affirm", condition of readiness, one, Commanding Officer at the conn, Navigator on the bridge. 0040-Lowering MWB to facilitate rescues. 0053-HOOD, B. F., Jr., Cox. And O'CONNELL, Hugh, S1c(SM) received minor bruises and abrasions about legs and feet while rescuing men in water. 0200-Set course 205oT; S/S 15 knots. 0215-The following named officers and men were picked up from the water as survivors: STANLEY, H. C., Lieutenant; HUBBARD, M. G., Lt.(jg); JOSTES, C. B., Lt. (jg); KINNEY, W. D., Ensign; AGUILAR, R. M., SK2c; BALL, C. E., S2c; BENNETT, E. B., Cox; BURKE, J. H., S1c; CARVER, R. L., S1c; COATS, J. B., S2c; CORBETT, J. M. Jr., RM2c; CHANDLER, V. D., F1c; DAUNORIS, A. A., MM3c; FLOYD, G. B., S1c; GALLAHER, S. L., SK3c; HAASE, F. J., S2c; HOMER, C. J., CPhM; HOLDERNESS, V. E., F1c; KING, J. E., RdM3c; KOZA, W. F., SC2c; LARSON, A. R., MM2c; LOFTUS, F. J., S1c; MAYHUGH, S. R., CTM; McCLOUD, L. D., S1c; McMANUS, J. J., GM2c; MONTGOMERY, J. E., MM3c; SHARP, R. A., Bkr2c; SERVIOLO, W. A., SM3c; THOMPSON, R. W., SC3c; TOENNIGES, C. A. Jr., Y1c; VALERIO, J. B., S2c; DAVEY, David S., S2c; DAY, R. R., SoM2c; WYSOCKI, Tony, S1c....0314-In accordance with CTG 51.6 dispatch 061811 proceeding to Western Anchorage, Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto.
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0000 .... Ship completely darkened, at General Quarters .... 0030-U.S.S. COLHOUN sunk by gunfire from U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG. Latter vessel stood south to take survivors .... to Okinawa Jima. This vessel assumed charge of rescue operations in area. 0110-Sighted survivor in water. Directed LCS to recover man .... 0225-U.S.S. STERETT reported in area to assist in rescue of survivors. 0255-Made radar contact on bogey .... distant 46 miles. This vessel ordered all ships to extinguish searchlights. 0310-U.S.S. STERETT commenced standing south to assist in sinking U.S.S. EMMONS and assisting U.S.S. RODMAN as directed by ComTaskGroup 52.3.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR

LCS 37
In area "RP1" looking for survivors of the DD COLHOUN and DD BUSH. Other DD's firing to sink the COLHOUN....0135-Picked up Underwood, H. of the DD BUSH. 0200-Picked up Libassi, B. T. of the DD BUSH. 0230-Put Dinghy over looking for survivors and found 3 bodies. 0245-Brought Dinghy aboard. 0257-Bogie reported, blacked out ship. 0325-AA fire port quarter. Still searching for survivors.
... O. W. Blake, Ensign, USNR

PCE(R) 855
0146-Standing by to pick up survivors. 0205-Picked up 17 men from two rafts. Men survivors of DD 529. 0211-Underway various courses and speeds while searching area.
... R. L. Brindle, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)
0000-Steaming darkened on various courses and speeds firing on hulk of USS COLHOUN (DD-801) .... 0050-Ceased fire. USS COLHOUN sunk by gunfire, latitude 27o12'00" N; longitude 128o02'00" E in 200 fathoms of water. Expended 246 rounds AA Common projectiles; 246 rounds SPDN 4626 (FP) ammunition .... 0100-Secured from general quarters .... Proceeding at various courses and speeds toward Kerama Rhetto. 0233-Changed course to proceed to Radar Picket #3 .... 0335-Called all hands to general quarters; enemy aircraft in vicinity.
... I. A. Welborn, Lt. (jg), USNR

Watch 0400-0800, 7 April 1945
PAKANA (ATF 108)
0415-The following named survivors died: diagnosis drowning No. 2521: WYSOCKI, Tony, S1c; DAY, Richard R., SoM2c; DAVEY, David S., S2c....0742-Air Raid Alert. 0750-All of the survivors and dead were transferred to the USS APPLING (APA58) in accordance with CTF 55 dispatch 062218.
... Paul N. Scherbel, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0639-Commenced firing main battery at enemy dive bomber, identified as Judy, to south. 0641-Plane opened range over Iheya Jima. Ceased firing .... Vectored two plane CAP to south. 0648 CAP shot down one bogey. Stood west to resume sweep of area for survivors. 0655-Daylight CAP arrived on station.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR

Watch 0800-1200, 7 April 1945
LCS 37
Still searching for survivors of DD 529 and 801. 0808-Dog fight followed by plane crash observed....0825-Brought aboard body. Total 7 dead and two live. 0850-F4U observed following a Jap plane. Jap made suicide run on DD BENNETT, crashing amidships on starboard side. 0920-Ordered to cease search, proceeded to Pt. Bolo. Survivors are Underwood, Herman-WT2c, Libassi, B. T.-S1c. Corpses picked up are Swindell, C. H.-RM1c, Kosty, N. L.-F1c, Dillard, T. E.-S2c, Welch, J.-S1c, Trella, P. P.-S2c, Hay, G. S.-RM3c, Dolgas, F. G.-F2c. Most of the dead men were found to have slipped in their life jackets.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 40
0810-Anchored off Blue Beach No. 2, awaiting orders to transfer survivors.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 64
0830-Commenced transferring survivors by small boat to APA 58. 1000-Completed transfer.
... A. H. Jewell, Jr., Ensign, USNR

PCE(R) 855
0850-Attacked by enemy aircraft, commenced firing with port side 20MM and 40MM and 3"50 guns. 0852-Aircraft hit and made suicide dive into DD 473, range 1,500 yards, hitting amidships on the starboard side. Ceased firing....Commenced maneuvering about DD473 preparing to render aid. 0901-Attacked by enemy plane, commenced firing 3"50 and port side 20MM and 40MM. 0903-Plane veered away, ceased firing.... 0909-Took position astern of DD473 and 407....0930....proceeding to anchorage area Okinawa Shima escorting LCS 39 and 37 by order of CTF 51....
... W. H. Lewis, Lt. (jg), USNR

USS BENNETT (DD-473)
0845-Bogeys reported .... distant 16 miles, closing this ship. 0847-Went to General Quarters .... 0848-Second bogey shot down by CAP; identified as dive bomber Val. Third Val continued to close from east, pursued by plane from CAP. 0848½-Attacking fighter set left wing of Val afire, and turned away as directed by this ship. 0849-Commenced firing all batteries to port at Val. Ship now at 22 knots, 222 rpm. Commenced taking evasive action. Val passed astern of ship. 0850-Val crashed into starboard side of ship at frame 90. Ceased firing .... Subsequent investigation revealed missile penetrated hull and detonated in forward fireroom. All electrical power lost forward. Shifted steering control aft. Extensive damage caused immediately by escaping steam. Lighted fires under boiler #4; secured boiler #1 from topside. Set course .... To return to Okinawa Jima. Commenced rescue of personnel from damaged compartments. 0855-Increased speed to 22 knots, 222 rpm on port engine. U.S.S. STERETT commenced proceeding in company to screen this vessel. Sustained 3 men killed, 17 men and 1 officer wounded in action .... 0944-Returned steering control to bridge.
... J. B. Jessup, Lt. (jg), USNR

LCS 24
Standing by at Okinawa anchorage near GC-11 awaiting small boat from GC-11 to bring doctor....0900-Small boat alongside with doctor. 0917-Small boat from PA-58 alongside for survivors. 0935-Small boat from GC11 departed from port side with the following survivors for hospitalization to USS COMFORT: CARNEY, R.-(SC), WOODS, P. T.-WT1/c, FLYNN, R. W.-F1/c, TROYAN, P. T.-WT2/c, WHITE, R. V.-MoMM1/c, NORDWALL, GM2/c. 0940-Small boat from starboard side departed with remainder of survivors to PA-58
... O. C. Handrich, Ensign, USNR.

Watch 1200-1600, 7 April 1945
LCS 24
1403-Moored starboard side to PA-59 to transfer Jap prisoner. 1415-Transferred Jap prisoner to PA-59.
... E. A. Moyer, Ensign, USNR.

LCS 37
1440-Alongside LCS 40 to take on provisions, transfer two survivors from DD BUSH.
... C. E. Theriot, Ensign, USNR

Watch 1600-2000, 7 April 1945
LCS 40
1605-LCS(L)(3) 37 moored to port and transferred two survivors from DD 529 for transportation to APA 203.
Underwood, Herman Edward, WT2/c
Libassi, Benjamin Thomas, S1/c
1630-Hoisted anchor and underway for APA 203. 1648-Anchored near APA 203 using 90 fathoms of cable. 1650-Small boat removed 57 survivors and 2 bodies to APA 203.
... R. A. Mundy, Ensign, USNR

LCS 37
1615-VP from APPLING, APA 58 alongside to take 7 dead from DD BUSH aboard. 1700-VP cast off with dead.
... J. A. McEvoy, Ensign, USNR

PCE(R) 855
1845-15 survivors and two stretcher cases away in small boat to APA 58. These included: ROBINSON, Narvis I., S1c; COWHERD, Robert M., S1c; WALL, Harry R., St1c (laceration right hand); FORD, Floyd S., S1c; FRIESLAND, Arthur C., S1c; ATTEBERRY, William C., QM1c; BLAKELEY, Albert S., SoM2c; MULVANEY, Wilbur L., RM3c; BABUSEK, William E., S1c; MARVICI, Pasquale F., F1c; BASS, Clarence C., S1c; SMITH, Justin C., EM2c; WILLIAMS, Clyde E., SC3c; JOHNSON, Charles G., S2c; YELLOCK, Hilbert, StM1c; BARNHILL, Owen A., S2c (stretcher case, burns hands and face), GRIMMETT, Jack, S2c (burns hands and face), all of the U. S. S. BUSH (DD 529).
... W. H. Lewis, Lt. (jg), USNR

COLHOUN Action Report - Summary Comments
USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
The Commanding Officer cannot praise too highly the spirit exhibited by the USS Bush and the LCS 64. The former in maintaining fire and making every effort to extinguish fires and save their ship while under vigorous attack, and the latter for unhesitatingly going to aid Bush while under attack.
... G. R. Wilson, Commander, USN, Action Report dated April 27, 1945

USS COLHOUN (DD-801)
From Commander Task Group 51.5 (F. Moosebrugger) - The entire performance of the COLHOUN during her last action, including "shooting", damage control and handling of personnel to minimize losses, is an outstanding example of fighting spirit and combat efficiency.
... F. Moosbrugger, Commander Task Group 51.5, Action Report Endorsement dated May 18, 1945

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